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Three watering tips
for drought
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Every season presents its own gardening challenges. Our late spring and early summer season has been unusually dry so far, putting us into a drought. Scattered rains this week have brought some relief, but not enough for plants to do without irrigation.
Historically, Central Illinois experiences a significant drought every 10-20 years. The most recent was in 2012. Although drought conditions can be difficult for plants, a dedicated program of water wise irrigation can allow your garden to thrive. This week, we'll share three key tips to keep your landscape looking good.
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While it may seem obvious that plants need extra water during a drought, the way that you water makes a big difference!
Brief, shallow sprinklings of water will wet the soil surface, but the moisture is quick to evaporate again. Plant roots never penetrate very deeply, and when drought comes, they're quick to dry out.
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Deep watering, by contrast, involves giving your plants a very long, slow drink, and waiting a couple of days before watering again. This allows the water to soak its way down into the soil rather than running off. It also encourages plants to form deep roots, giving them resilience against drought.
You can get an idea of how much water you need to provide for your plants by looking at our tree watering chart:
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A berm is a doughnut-shaped mound of compacted earth that surrounds a tree or shrub. It's purpose is to hold water, giving it time to soak in to the soil.
Be sure not to pile soil around the trunk- you want your berm to be a little distance out from the base of the tree or shrub.
Berms are most effective when trickle watering individual trees and shrubs with a hose.
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Mulching is a fantastic technique for conserving soil moisture, suppressing weed growth, and moderating soil temperatures. In hot and dry weather, applying a layer of wood mulch around your plants can be particularly beneficial.
Wood mulch acts as a protective barrier, reducing evaporation by shielding the soil from direct sunlight. It also helps regulate soil temperature, keeping the root zone cooler during scorching heat. By maintaining a stable temperature and reducing moisture loss, wood mulch can significantly improve your plants' chances of survival during drought conditions.
Spread a layer of wood mulch approximately 2-3 inches thick around the base of your plants. Ensure the mulch is not in direct contact with the plant, as this can promote disease or pest infestations. As the mulch breaks down over time, it will enrich the soil with organic matter, further enhancing its water-holding capacity.
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We're currently facing a drought in Central Illinois, but we can still keep our plants healthy! Water-efficient irrigation allows our landscapes to not just survive, but thrive. A little TLC allows our gardens to keep captivating and inspiring us, even when it's dry outside.
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Friday is the last chance to
earn Hardy Bucks for 2023
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Tuesday, July 4th, the Garden Center and Stone Market will be closed for Independence Day. Have a happy & safe holiday!
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On sale now
while supplies last!
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Fruit Trees - 40%
Select Roses - 50%
David Austin, climbers, hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora
Annuals, herbs, tropicals & veggies - 50% off
Half whiskey barrels - 25% off
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